PM: Algerian President Bouteflika, 82, to run for 5th term

February 2, 2019

FILE - In this May 4, 2017 file photo, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika prepares to vote in Algiers. Algeria’s prime minister says 82-year-old Bouteflika will seek a fifth term in this year’s election through a letter to the Algerian people in the coming days, it was reported on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Sidali Djarboub, File)

ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) — Algeria’s prime minister says 82-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will seek a fifth term in this year’s election through a letter to the Algerian people in the coming days.

Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia told a press conference Saturday about his “strong belief” that Bouteflika will run in the North African nation’s April 18 election. He says “all signs show it and with a little bit of analysis we can easily understand that he’s in and that it’s only a matter of time.”

Ouyahia added that he thinks Bouteflika remains “the best candidate” despite ailing health. The Algerian leader is partially paralyzed from a stroke and is rarely seen in public.

Two other candidates, former Prime Minister Ali Benflis and Ret. Gen. Ali Ghediri, have already declared they are running for president.